In Germany

It all started in 1982, when the first concepts of solar powered air conditioning were developed at the Technische Universität München.

To accomplish this task, first trials were carried out with Lithiumchloride (LiCl). It had long been known, that Lithiumchloride is eager to absorb moisture. The challenge was, to find a way how to make use of this knowledge in such a way, that air can be dehumidified in a cost effective manner.

It was not so difficult to let some water - or airborne humidity - join the Lithiumchloride. But to make the process economically feasible the challenge was firstly, to use a minimum amount of LiCl and let it absorb a maximum amount of water. Secondly some further research was required, to separate the excessive water again from the LiCl, to re-condition it for the next round of air-dehumidification.

In 1991 the Centre for Applied Energy Research (ZAE Bayern e.V.) received Government funds for further research into the L-DCS technology, which resulted eventually in the implementation of the first Solar powered air dehumidification for a commercial building in Amberg (Germany), the “E-Mail Fabrik".

In Singapore

It all started in 2000 when a farsighted (if not visionary) engineer cum manager from JTC (Jurong Town Corporation) realized how L-DCS can be the ideal solution to 'kill three birds with one stone'. Firstly, how to make use of the abundant waste heat on Jurong Island, secondly, how to respond to the increasing demand for air-conditioning in commercial buildings without further burdening the electric grid (in particular during peak hours) and thirdly how to operate district cooling systems more efficiently.

The first contact was made via the then still relatively young Internet. Soon after a few e-mails had been exchanged we met in Singapore to develop concepts and ideas how to implement the technology in tropical climate and where to build a reference plant. While plans took shape, we applied for government funds through the TEC program, which were granted in January 2003. In the meantime L-DCS Technology Pte Ltd had already celebrated it's first anniversary.

The economical climate changed and so did the project site, but with the continued support of JTC and TEC we redesigned the system and completed the installation of the first L-DCS system in the tropical climate of Singapore in January 2006.

Trial runs in January and February 2006 look very promising. However, before we are going to celebrate the success, some more rigorous testing will be carried out, expected to be completed by June 2006.